Category: PHOTO ESSAY

During the Monsoons, ‘Monsoon Trek’ is something everyone must try especially the ones who love adventure. One such place in Mumbai apt for Trekking is Tungareshwar (Vasai west). This place is known for its scenery, Tungareshwar Temple and the amazing waterfall. From South Mumbai it would take one about three hours to reach, while the trek may go a little beyond an hour depending on the pace. There are two paths to reach the destination the road path or the stream path.

CAUTION: The stream path includes slippery rocks, must wear good footwear. (But it also adds on to the fun)

The Stream Path and the slippery stones that can make you one hell of a ‘Humpty- Dumpty’

The Road Path- for those who would want to reach the waterfall a little faster ( and safely)

While on you way to the destination point- The waterfall- you will see many animals like Cows, Goats, Dogs, etc. and insects such as the one above which is known as ‘The Khujli Keeda’ in Hindi, Palm size Spiders, Dragonflies, Grasshopers and many more, which obviously we decided to run away from.

Also you may see many localites fishing and small crabs running on the rocks.

You will come across a small waterfall as you find you way to the top point and the second one is the final one that Tungareshwar is famous for.

While coming back down, the road path is a better option. Also, check out the Tungareshwar Temple which has a lot of monkeys and the local eatery joint outside it.

Mehnnat ki Atanni ( the money earned after continuous hard work and dedication , which means ‘a struggle to earn 50 paisa each day’ is a descriptive photo essay of such a struggle in Mumbai.

Mumbai is a city which gives opportunities to each and every person to earn his or her living, a city which does not define any kind of occupation as a low strata job, but instead, takes it up skilfully and willingly. The will power of different migrants of taking up small occupations helps them to earn and collect each and every penny day by day and settle better in future.

This struggle many a times brings out a mindset among many people that people who adopt such occupations are lower than the ones who work in the ‘structural offices’. Very often we ourselves treat a roadside labourer as if he or she is not performing any kind of important job but instead, we should appreciate their hard work and dedication that they put in. But at the same time, people know the fact that without these, the city may just come to a stand. Because these occupations themselves provide help in the form of labour to different classes of people in the city of Mumbai. This is the professional gap that does exist in this city which is ignored and not discussed so often.

The concept of ‘Mehnnat ki Atanni’(money earned after continuous hard work and dedication ), came up when I was observing different people working on the streets of Mumbai on my way to college. There were different experiences when I started shooting. Many a times, even faced rejections which included questions like, “Why was so and so person during his labour hours being shot?” While shooting, many even asked what was the concept behind the photo? Many even had the fear that this photo would be handed over to the BMC. But when they were explained the concept was related to their day to day struggle , they were proud of being a part of this project.

One of my observation and questioning made the owner of Bharat Petroleum angry. I had seen a boy whose age was below 14 years working as a petrol supplier and so just questioned him “ Isn’t this child labour?” and he arrogantly said “ well, that’s his choice and I don’t care what will happen further, If you want you can go and complain.” Through this observation, I guess there will be may such different corners in the city where child labour still exist.

Many photos were shot without any prior permission, which led to blurring of many photos in the process of their continuous working. These photos were shot using a phone camera in places like Charni road, Grant road, Marine lines, Andheri, Vasai and Churchgate

Through these photos, there’s a lesson that I learnt from Mumbai-‘Where there is work, it’s each one’s will power that makes it an occupation as well as a way to earn each and every penny.’

BY NICOLE FERNANDES

TYBMM

SOPHIA COLLEGE

given below are the photos shot by me on the streets of mumbai:

CARPENTER AT VASAI

THE LABOURER BUSY BUILDING UP A WALL AT SOPHIA COLLEGE

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TAILORING ON THE ROADSIDE

THE ACTUAL GUARD OF OUR COMFORT

CHAIWALA- 24/7

THE SWEEPER WHO HELPS KEEP THE MUMBAI ROADS CLEAN AND MUMBAIKARS MAKE IT DIRTY

THE KEY MAKER

THE ONE WHO POILSHES AND GIVES A SPIC AND SPAN MATCH TO OUR ATTIRE

THE ONE WHO IS ALWAYS AT OUR SERVICE WHEN WE GO FOR LUNCH/ DINNER IN HOTELS